Urinal splash guard employing flexible bristles

ABSTRACT

A mat or other object for attenuating reflective spray during use of a urinal comprises a urine impingement region that includes a plurality of upstanding, flexible bristles. In one embodiment, each of the bristles: has an appropriate thickness and flexibility configured to flex when struck by a typical stream of urine, wherein adjacent bristles are separated from one another by a distance such that the typical stream of urine contacting a bristle and causing it to flex will also contact at least two adjacent bristles and cause them to flex as well; has a thickness and a height, wherein the thickness of each is less than one fifth of its height, and further wherein each bristle has at least three adjacent bristles within a distance of two times its thickness from it; is elongated, and the bristles are configured densely enough that an imaginary circle having a radius equal to a stream of urine&#39;s mean radius, centered on a given bristle, and drawn on the upper surface will include at least three other bristles within its boundary; or any combination of these. In some embodiments, the plurality of bristles that compose a urine retention region has an ordered arrangement, while in others plurality of bristles has a disordered arrangement.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to accessories for urinals and morespecifically to anti-splash devices for urinals.

BACKGROUND

A urinal is a receptacle, typically constructed of porcelain or similarmaterial, having substantially vertical walls above a collection basinthat includes a drain. The smooth, nearly vertical walls provide asurface to receive a stream of urine from a man using the urinal. Whenthe urinal is flushed, water is directed over the walls, into thecollection basin and through the drain. The drain, usually positionedaround the lowest point of the collection basin, receives urine duringurination and flushing as well as water during flushing. Urinals aretypically designed for mounting on restroom walls, though some urinalsare configured for floor mounting.

Most urinals are designed to retain a residual amount of water in thedrain area of the collection basin, which dilutes urine collected thereduring urination. Often, a screen or a grid is used to cover the urinaldrain and prevent any large debris deposited in the urinal from enteringthe drain. Sometimes, other drain designs are used to accomplish thissame goal.

The porcelain construction of most urinals makes for hard-surfaced wallsand collection basins. These hard surfaces reflect or deflect someportion of any urine stream directed thereon, splashing droplets ofurine away from the point where the stream and the surface meet.Further, a urine stream directed into the residual water typicallypresent in the collection basin also will cause splashing, in this caseof a urine-water mixture. Of course, most urinals are designed to retainmuch of the splashing caused during their use. However, splashing ofsome droplets out of the urinal is common, particularly when the urinestream impinges on the residual water. These stray droplets land on theuser's clothing or hands, or on the restroom surfaces surrounding theurinal. Without some means for controlling this splashing, or frequentand rigorous cleaning, a urinal will eventually be accompanied by anunpleasant odor arising from urine droplets deposited on surroundingsurfaces.

A variety of devices are designed for placement in a urinal to achieve avariety of ends. These goals include collecting solid debris andproviding a fragrance or odor-absorbing chemical. Most common are drainmats intended to collect solid debris. Often these are simple pieces offlexible material containing small drain holes and configured over theurinal drain to catch any solid debris larger than the holes. A moreversatile type of drain mat includes a holder configured to receive adeodorant urinal cake in addition to drain holes. The deodorant cakeslowly dissolves, providing a fragrant, or odor absorbing, chemical tomask, or neutralize, the odor of urine that would otherwise emanate fromthe region surrounding the urinal. These cakes, or indeed the entiremat-cake system, are replaced periodically as the cakes dissolve away.Unfortunately, typical mats can increase splashing as such mats presentan irregular surface to a urine stream.

Some in-urinal devices attempt to accomplish these common goals whilesimultaneously reducing the incidence of splashing. One of these isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,672 to Luedtke et al, which describes aurinal mat provided with upstanding baffles to decelerate a stream ofurine impinging thereon. The tiny upstanding baffles are spaced apartand formed from a flexible plastic material used to construct all partsof the mat. According to the teachings of Luedtke, the baffles' heightis approximately the same order of magnitude as the spaces between them.

Unfortunately, this type of construction allows at least some portion ofa urine stream to impinge on the mat surface without interruption, andrelies on the presence of the baffles to break up any splash backproduced. Furthermore, though the baffles are described as “flexible”,Luedtke makes no teaching or suggestion that the baffles exhibit flexureunder a stream of urine. In fact, Luedtke teaches equivalence betweenbaffles that will not exhibit flexure under a stream of urine, e.g.pyramidal baffles, and those that might possibly do so, e.g. tiny hooksor cones supported on cylinders. By teaching this equivalence, Luedtkeindicates that baffle flexure under a urine stream is an unimportantcharacteristic.

Hence, no prior invention teaches a urinal mat covered in densely packedbristles that exhibit flexure when struck by a stream of urine toinhibit splash back.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with the present invention, a mat or other object forattenuating reflective spray during use of a urinal comprises a urineimpingement region that includes a plurality of upstanding, flexiblebristles.

In some embodiments, each of the bristles has an appropriate thicknessand flexibility configured to flex when struck by a typical stream ofurine, wherein adjacent bristles are separated from one another by adistance such that the typical stream of urine contacting a bristle andcausing it to flex will also contact at least two adjacent bristles andcause them to flex as well.

In some embodiments, each of the bristles has a thickness and a height.The thickness of each is less than one fifth of its height; each bristlehas at least three adjacent bristles within a distance of two times itsthickness from it.

In some embodiments, each of the bristles is elongated, and the bristlesare configured densely enough that an imaginary circle having a radiusequal to a stream of urine's mean radius, centered on a given bristle,and drawn on the upper surface will include at least three otherbristles within its boundary.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, theplurality of bristles that compose a urine impingement region can havean ordered arrangement. In accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention, the plurality of bristles that compose a urineimpingement region can have a disordered arrangement.

Preferably, a urine impingement region in accordance with the presentinvention is disposed on an upper surface of a body configured forplacement within a urinal that includes a sheet-like substrate having aplurality of drain holes. Also preferably, this body includes a lowersurface configured to rest on a surface of a urinal in which it isplaced. In some embodiments, portions of the body are infused with achemical, such as a fragrance, deodorant, or anti-microbial, that isconfigured to leech out into the urinal over time.

In the preferred embodiment, the body also includes a void regiondisposed between the lower surface and the upper surface and configuredto accept a urinal cake. 30 Also in the preferred embodiment, a mat isan assembly, which comprises a body as described above and a retentionmember configured to couple with the body and retain a urinal cakewithin the void region.

In alternative embodiments, the mat is a different type of assembly. Forexample, in one alternative embodiment the mat comprises a body, asdescribed above but without a void region, and a semi-cylindrical capstructure configured to accept a urinal cake. Preferably, the capstructure has a lid surface that includes a second urine impingementregion, which can be of the same or of a different construction than theurine impingement region of the body, and a lower edge configured tointerface with a urinal cake retention region on the upper surface ofbody, thereby permitting retention of a urinal cake therebetween.

Also in accordance with the present invention, a variety of methods ofattenuating splashing caused by a stream of urine with a mean radiusimpinging on a urinal are disclosed. In general, these methods involveintercepting the stream of urine with a urine impingement region of anobject disposed within the urinal. In various embodiments, the urineimpingement region is constructed to have the various differentcharacteristics described above. The step of intercepting is followed bya step of draining urine from the urine impingement region through anaperture. Preferably, at least a portion of the urine is drained onto aurinal cake.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a typical urinal drain mat.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective exploded view of one embodiment of a urinalsplash prevention device in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective assembled view of an alternative embodimentof a urinal splash prevention device in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a base portion of an alternative embodimentof a urinal splash prevention device in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of an alternative embodiment of aurinal splash prevention device in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 6A is a cross sectional view of a cap structure of an alternativeembodiment of a urinal splash prevention device in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 6B is a top plan view of a cap structure of an alternativeembodiment of a urinal splash prevention device in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a urinalsplash prevention device in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a detailed perspective view of the preferred embodiment of aurinal splash prevention device in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a detailed perspective view of the preferred embodiment of aurinal splash prevention device in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective assembled view of the preferredembodiment of a urinal splash prevention device in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective exploded view of the preferredembodiment of a urinal splash prevention device in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 is a side perspective exploded view of the preferred embodimentof a urinal splash prevention device in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a urinal splashprevention device being used in a urinal in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following section includes descriptions of several embodiments ofthe present invention and makes reference to the figures. The specificconfigurations discussed are only examples and do not serve to limit thescope of the invention. A person having ordinary skill in the relevantart will understand that the present invention can be practiced by usingother configurations and arrangements of the various components of theillustrated embodiments.

Basic Function

Devices according to the present invention all serve two basicfunctions: that of a urinal drain mat and that of an anti-splash device.Further, some embodiments, including the preferred embodiment, serve todispense fragrant, deodorant, or anti-microbial chemicals into theurinal in which they are placed.

A urinal drain mat's basic function is to collect solid debris. Simpleurinal drain mats are constructed of a flexible material and containsmall drain holes. Typically, these drain mats are configured over theurinal drain to catch any solid debris larger than the holes. Forexample, the urinal drain mat 500 illustrated in FIG. 1 collects debrison its upper surface but allows fluid to pass through the holes 502.

Devices in accordance with the present invention also collect debris,but they perform another function as well: attenuating or preventingsplashing during use of the urinal. These devices do so through theirinclusion of special urine impingement zones adapted to absorb urinestream energy that could otherwise result in deflected droplets.

Further, some embodiments of the present invention include specializedfeatures for dispensing chemicals into the urinal or its vicinity. Forexample, some embodiments include structures adapted to hold dissolvableurinal cakes. Some embodiments include implanted fragrance, deodorant,or anti-microbial chemicals that leech into the urinal over time.

Within the following description, identical reference numbers refer tothe same, or to corresponding, elements.

Urinal Cake Holding Embodiments

Top Entry Configuration

FIG. 2 illustrates the anti-splash device 1000, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The anti-splash device 1000includes the cap structure 1100 and the base structure 1200.

Cap Structure

The cap structure 1100 includes a lid surface 1140, which contains aurine impingement region comprising a plurality of upstanding bristles1110, and a wall surface 1130. Further, the cap structure includes twotypes of drain holes: lateral vent holes 1135, which are formed throughthe wall surface 1130; and lid drain holes 1144 and 1142, which areformed through the lid surface 1140. Three retaining feet, including anexemplary retaining foot 1122, are attached to the base of the wallsurface 1130 and are aligned so their upper surface (that closest to thepoint where the lid surface 1140 and wall surface 1130 intersect) isaligned with the lower edge of the wall surface 1130 (that portion mostdistal from the point where the lid surface 1140 and the wall surface1130 intersect). The upper surface of each of the feet is flush with thebase of the wall surface 1130.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict two different views of the cap structure 1100. Asillustrated in FIG. 6A, the upstanding bristles 1110 extend from the lidsurface 1140 in a direction substantially parallel to the wall surface1130. Further, the retaining feet 1122 and 1122′ extend below andradially outward from the base of the wall surface 1130. The lateralvent holes 1135 are disposed on the wall surface 1130 between the baseof the wall surface 1130 and the lid surface 1140. Referring to FIG. 6B,the retaining feet 1122, 1122′, and 1122″ all extend radially outwardfrom the wall surface 1130. Further, the lid surface 1140 contains twotypes of lid drain holes: a center drain hole 1144 and the radial drainholes 1142. These lid drain holes drain liquid from the urineimpingement region of the lid surface 1140.

Base Structure

Referring again to FIG. 2, the base structure 1200 includes an uppersurface 1220, which includes a urine impingement region comprising theplurality of upstanding bristles 1210, and the cap retention surface1230. The urine impingement region contains the primary drain holes1222, while the cap retention surface 1230 contains secondary drainholes 1232. Further, retention features 1234 are positioned between thecap retention surface 1230 and the upper surface 1220. FIG. 4 shows aplan view of the base structure 1200. As illustrated, three retentionfeatures 1234 are disposed evenly around the perimeter of the capretention surface 1230. Preferably, the cap retention surface 1230 isrecessed relative to the upper surface 1220. FIG. 5 shows a bottomperspective view of the base structure 1200. The base structure 1200comprises bottom surfaces 1280 and 1270. Preferably the two lowersurfaces are flush, though they can be raised or recessed relative toone another. The bottom surface 1280 is opposed to the cap retentionsurface 1230 and includes secondary drain holes 1232. The bottom surface1270 is opposed to the upper surface 1220 and includes primary drainholes 1222.

Interface

Referring to FIGS. 2, 6A, and 6B, the cap structure 1100 and the basestructure 1200 are configured to couple with one another so that thelower edge of the cap structure 1100 (the lower edge of the wall surface1130) is closer to the cap retention surface 1230 than is the lidsurface 1140 of the cap structure 1100. In this manner, the capstructure 1100 and the base structure 1200 form a hollowed volume 1300therebetween. Preferably, the hollowed volume 1300 is configured toretain a urinal cake placed therein. Further, the lid drain holes 1144and 1142, and the lateral vent holes 1135, form paths through the capstructure into the hollowed volume 1300 and then out, into the urinaldrain (not shown). The secondary drain holes 1232 form paths through thebase structure into the hollowed volume 1300 and then out, into theurinal drain.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the retaining feet 1122 aremated with the retaining features 1234. Although the illustratedembodiment shows a cap having three retaining feet and a base havingthree retaining features, any number of feet and corresponding retainingfeatures can be used consistent with the present invention, so long asthey accomplish the goal of coupling the cap structure to the basestructure in the manner described above.

Assembled Device

FIG. 3 illustrates the anti-splash device 1000 in an assembled state.The cap structure 1100 is coupled to the base structure 1200 asdescribed above. In the assembled state, the lid surface 1140 (e.g. ofFIG. 2) and the upper surface 1220 are configured so that theirupstanding bristles 1110 and 1210 are substantially parallel with oneanother. Further, the bristles 1110 are substantially parallel with thewall surface 1130 of the cap structure 1100. Thus, the urine impingementregion of the cap structure 1100 and the urine impingement region of thebase structure 1200 cover substantially all of the surfaces of theassembled anti-splash device 1000 that lie substantially in the plane ofthe upper surface 1220, with a notable exception being where they arepunctuated by the drain holes 1142,1144 and 1222 of FIGS. 2, 6A and 6B.

Function

In its preferred mode of operation, the anti-splash device 1000 isconfigured within a urinal so that a typical stream of urine willimpinge upon its various urine impingement regions in a directionsubstantially parallel to the bristles 1110 and 1210. In thisconfiguration, the wall surface 1130, being aligned parallel with thebristles of the various urine impingement regions, presents a relativelylow profile to an impinging urine stream.

When a urine stream impacts a urine impingement region, the stream isbroken up by the bristles of the region, and wicks down the bristlesonto the region's supporting surface. There are a variety ofconstructions of the urine impingement regions consistent with thepresent invention that achieve this function: In some embodiments, eachof the bristles has an appropriate thickness and flexibility such thatit is configured to flex when struck by a typical stream of urine,wherein adjacent bristles are separated from one another by a distancesuch that the typical stream of urine contacting a bristle and causingit to flex will also contact at least two adjacent bristles and causethem to flex as well. In some embodiments, each of the bristles has athickness and a height, wherein the thickness of each is less than onefifth of its height, and further wherein each bristle has at least threeadjacent bristles within a distance of two times its thickness from it.In some embodiments, each of the bristles is elongated, and the bristlesare configured densely enough that an imaginary circle having a radiusequal to a stream of urine's mean radius, centered on a given bristleand drawn on the upper surface will include at least three otherbristles within its boundary. In some embodiments, the bristles areconfigured to dissipate a large proportion of the kinetic energy of theurine stream using elements that are substantially parallel to the pathof the urine stream.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, urine wicked onto the lid surface 1140drains through the radial drain holes 1142 and/or center drain hole1144. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, urine wicked onto the upper surface1220 drains through the primary drain holes 1222.

Urine drained from the lid surface 1140 enters the void. Preferably, aurinal cake is disposed within the void so that urine entering the voidfrom the lid surface 1140 washes over the urinal cake. Preferably, theurinal cake comprises chemicals chosen to minimize odor from urine. Thevent holes 1135 serve primarily to permit volatile chemicals from theurinal cake to emanate from the void, though the various drain holesalso permit this; the vent holes 1135 are not essential features of theillustrated embodiment.

From the void, urine is drained by the secondary drain holes 1232. Boththese secondary drain holes 1232 and the primary drain holes 1222 allowurine to drain through the base structure 1200 and away from its bottomsurfaces 1280 and 1270 (shown in FIG. 5) respectively.

Bottom Entry Configuration

FIG. 7 illustrates an anti-splash device 2000, an alternative embodimentof the present invention. The anti-splash device 2000 includes an upperstructure 2200 and a retaining structure (2100 of FIG. 10).

Upper Structure

Referring to FIG. 7, the upper structure 2200 comprises a lower surface2220 and the semi-cylindrical cap structure 2250. The lower surface 2220includes a first urine impingement region comprising a plurality ofupstanding bristles 2210, and a cap structure 2250 includes a lidsurface 2240, which comprises a second urine impingement regioncomprising the plurality of upstanding bristles 2241, and the wallsurface 2230.

Further, the upper structure 2200 includes three types of drain holes,including two on the cap structure 2250. The lower surface 2220comprises the primary drain holes 2222. The lid surface 2240 comprisesthe lid drain holes 2242.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the lid surface 2140 and the lowersurface 2220 are configured so that their upstanding bristles 2241 and2210 are substantially parallel with one another. Further, the bristles2241 and 2210 are substantially parallel with the wall surface 2230 ofthe cap structure 2250. Thus, the first urine impingement region and thesecond urine impingement region cover substantially all of the surfacesof the anti- splash device 2000 that lie in the plane of the lowersurface 2220, with a notable exception being where they are punctuatedby the drain holes 2242 and 2222. Preferably, and as illustrated, thecap structure 2250 and the lower surface 2220 are formed of a singlepiece of material. Alternatively, the two structures are formed ofdifferent pieces of material and joined at the lower edge of the wallsurface 2230.

FIG. 11 shows a bottom perspective view of the upper structure 2200. Theupper structure 2200 comprises inner surfaces 2280 and 2260, as well asa bottom surface 2270. As illustrated, the inner surfaces 2280 and 2260correspond to lid surface 2240 and wall surface 2230 respectively.Accordingly, the inner surface 2280 includes apertures leading to drainholes 2242. The lower surface 2270 corresponds to the upper surface 2220and includes apertures of primary drain holes 2222. The inner surfaces2280 and 2260 form a cylindrical void. The lower surface 2270 surroundsa perimeter of that void.

Between the inner surface 2260 and the lower surface 2270, around theperimeter of the void formed by the inner surfaces, lies the retentionregion 2290. The retention region 2290 includes a circular inner edge2292 and a circular outer edge 2291. The outer edge 2291 lies flush withthe lower surface 2270, and the inner edge 2292 is recessed relative tothe lower surface 2270, i.e. it does not lie on the plane of the lowersurface 2270. Instead, the inner edge 2292 is disposed nearer to theinner surface 2280. Between the inner edge 2292 and the outer edge 2291sits an annular surface that includes retention features 2295. In theillustrated embodiment, the retention features 2295 are cylindricalholes formed perpendicular to the annular surface and disposed evenlyaround it. Of course, consistent with the present invention, theretention features 2295 can have other constructions. These retentionfeatures 2295, and indeed the retention region 2290 in general, areconfigured to mate with the retaining structure 2100 illustrated inFIGS. 10,11, and 12.

Retaining Structure

FIG. 12 shows a bottom perspective view of the retaining structure 2100of FIG. 11; As illustrated, the retaining structure 2100 is generallycircular in shape. It comprises a circular central portion 2110 and anannular outer portion 2120. The central portion 2110 is coupled to theouter portion 2120 by a plurality of spokes 2130 disposed evenly aboutthe central portion 2110 to form secondary drain holes 2131therebetween. The central portion 2110, the outer portion 2120, and twospokes 2130 bound each secondary drain hole 2131. At least two surfacesof the. outer portion 2120 are disposed parallel to a surface of thecentral portion 2110, but preferably are not on the same plane (asillustrated).

Retention features 2145 are disposed evenly about the face of the outerportion 2120 parallel to and closest to the plane of the central portion2110. A cylindrical face 2140 of the outer portion 2120 is disposedperpendicular to the central portion 2110.

Interface

The retaining structure 2100 and the upper structure 2200 are configuredto couple with one another so that the central portion 2110 of theretaining structure 2100 is closer to the inner surface 2280 than is theannular portion 2120. In this manner, the retaining structure 2100 andthe upper structure 2200 enclose the void formed by the inner surfaces2280 and 2260. Preferably, this void is configured to retain a urinalcake placed therein. Further, the lid drain holes 2242 form pathsthrough the upper structure 2220 into the void. The secondary drainholes 2131 form paths through the retaining structure into the void.

In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining features 2145, the face ofthe outer portion 2120 upon which they rest, and the cylindrical face2140 of the outer portion 2120 of the retaining structure 2100 interfacewith the retention region 2290 of the upper structure 2200. When the twostructures are coupled together, the cylindrical face 2140 sits flushwith the inner surface 2260, while the retaining features 2145 aredisposed within the retention features 2295. The face of the retentionregion 2290 upon which the retention features 2295 are disposed sitsflush with the face of the retaining structure 2100 upon which theretaining features 2145 are disposed. Preferably, the retainingstructure 2100 is held together with the' upper structure 2200 in thisconfiguration by an interference fit between the various features of thetwo structures.

Although the illustrated embodiment shows a retaining structure 2100having three retaining features and an upper structure having threeretention features, any number of retaining features and correspondingretention features can be used consistent with the present invention, solong as they accomplish the goal of coupling the upper structure to thebase structure in the manner described above.

Assembled Device

FIG. 10 illustrates the anti-splash device 2000 in an assembled state.The retaining structure 2100 is coupled to the upper structure 2200 asdescribed above.

Function

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in its preferred mode of operation, theanti-splash device 2000 is configured within a urinal so that a typicalstream of urine will impinge upon its various urine impingement regionsin a direction substantially parallel to the bristles 2241 and 2210. Inthis configuration, the wall surface 2230, being aligned parallel withthe bristles of the various urine impingement regions, presents arelatively low profile to an impinging urine stream. As illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9, the bristles of the various urine impingement regions canbe rather short or quite long relative to the size of the cap structure2250. The length and thickness of the bristles in this embodiment arechosen to achieve desired bristle characteristics relative to a typicalurine stream. Thus, the type of material used to construct theembodiment influences the bristle characteristics.

When a urine stream impacts a urine impingement region, the stream isbroken up by the bristles of the region, and wicks down the bristlesonto the region's supporting surface. There are a variety ofconstructions of the urine impingement regions consistent with thepresent invention that achieve this function: In some embodiments, eachof the bristles has an appropriate thickness and flexibility toconfigured to flex when struck by a typical stream of urine, whereinadjacent bristles are separated from one another by a distance such thatthe typical stream of urine contacting a bristle and causing it to flexwill also contact at least two adjacent bristles and cause them to flexas well. In some embodiments, each of the bristles has a thickness and aheight, wherein the thickness of each is less than one fifth of itsheight, and further wherein each bristle has at least three adjacentbristles within a distance of two times its thickness from it. In someembodiments, each of the bristles is elongated, and the bristles areconfigured densely enough that an imaginary circle having a radius equalto a stream of urine's mean radius, centered on a given bristle, anddrawn on the upper surface will include at least three other bristleswithin its boundary. In some embodiments, the bristles are configured todissipate a large proportion of the kinetic energy of the urine streamusing elements that are substantially parallel to the path of the urinestream.

Still referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, urine wicked onto the lid surface 2240drains through the drain holes 2242. Urine wicked onto the lower surface2220 drains through the primary drain holes 2222.

Now referring to FIGS. 10,11, and 12, urine drained from the lid surface2240 enters the void. Preferably, a urinal cake is disposed within thevoid so that urine entering the void from the lid surface 2240 washesover the urinal cake. Preferably, the urinal cake comprises chemicalschosen to minimize odor from urine. The various drain holes permitvolatile chemicals from the urinal cake to emanate from the void.

From the void, urine is drained by the secondary drain holes 2231 of theretaining structure 2100. These secondary drain holes 2231 permit urineto drain through the retaining structure 2100 and away from itssurfaces. Similarly, the primary drain holes 2222 allow urine to drainthrough the upper structure 2200 and away from its lower surface 2270.

Other Embodiments

Some other embodiments of the present invention do not include featuresfor holding urinal cakes. Preferably, these embodiments includeimplanted fragrance, deodorant, or anti-microbial chemicals that leechinto the urinal over time and achieve a similar effect.

In some of these embodiments, drain holes are evenly distributed over aurinal mat, the upper surface of which comprises a urine impingementregion. Preferably, the urine impingement region covers substantiallythe entire upper surface of the urinal mat, leaving only the aperturesto the drain holes uncovered.

For example, referring to FIG. 4, a urinal mat consistent with thisaspect of the present invention includes bristles 1210 not only on thesurface 1220 as illustrated but also throughout the region 1230. In thisexample, the features 1234 are be eliminated. When a urine streamimpacts the “urine impingement region, the stream is broken up by thebristles of the region, and wicks down the bristles onto the region'ssupporting surface. There are a variety of constructions of the urineimpingement regions consistent with the present invention that achievethis function: In some embodiments, each of the bristles has anappropriate thickness and flexibility configured to flex when struck bya typical stream of urine, wherein adjacent bristles are separated fromone another by a distance such that the typical stream of urinecontacting a bristle and causing it to flex will also contact at leasttwo adjacent bristles and cause them to flex as well. In someembodiments, each of the bristles has a thickness and a height, whereinthe thickness of each is less than one fifth of its height, and furtherwherein each bristle has at least three adjacent bristles within adistance of two times its thickness from it. In some embodiments, eachof the bristles is elongated, and the bristles are configured denselyenough that an imaginary circle having a radius equal to a stream ofurine's mean radius, centered on a given bristle, and drawn on the uppersurface will include at least three other bristles within its boundary.In some embodiments, the bristles are configured to dissipate a largeproportion of the kinetic energy of the urine stream using elements thatare substantially parallel to the path of the urine stream.

In these embodiments, urine wicked onto the upper surface, e.g. 1220 or1230 of FIG. 4, drains through the drain holes, e.g. 1222 or 1232. Thedrain holes of the upper surface 1220 preferably all lead directly tothe lower surface of the urinal mat, permitting urine to drain throughholes and away from the urinal mat's lower surface.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a urinal splashprevention device, such as the urinal splash prevention device 1200 ofFIG. 3, being used in a urinal in accordance with the presentdisclosure. In FIG. 13, the urinal splash prevention device 1200 isdisposed within urinal 975. A stream of urine 950 is intercepted by aurine impingement region of the urinal splash prevent device 1200.

The urinal splash prevention device 1200 is a mat or other object forattenuating reflective spray during use of a urinal. The device 1200includes a urine impingement region that includes a plurality ofupstanding, flexible bristles. Preferably, the urine impingement regionis disposed on an upper surface of a body configured for placementwithin a urinal and includes a sheet-like substrate having a pluralityof drain holes. In some embodiments, the body is infused with ananti-microbial chemical that is configured to leech out into the urinalover time.

In some embodiments, a lower surface of the body is configure to rest ona surface of the urinal in which the mat is placed, and a hollowedvolume is disposed between the lower surface and the upper surface andis configured to accept a urinal cake. In some embodiments, the device1200 further includes a retaining member configured to couple with thebody and retain the urinal cake within the hollowed volume.

In some embodiments, the plurality of bristles are arranged within theurine impingement region in a ordered array. In some embodiments, theplurality of bristles are disposed within the urine impingement regionin a disordered arrangement.

In one embodiment, a method of attenuating splashing caused by a streamof urine, such as stream 950, with a mean radius impinging on a urinal,such as urinal 975, includes: intercepting the stream of urine with oneof a first urine impingement region and a second urine impingementregion of an object disposed within the urinal 975. The first urineimpingement region is disposed on a sheet-like substrate and including afirst plurality of upstanding, flexible bristles, each configured toflex when struck by a typical stream of urine, wherein adjacent bristlesare separated from one another by a distance such that the typicalstream of urine contacting a bristle and causing it to flex will alsocontact at least two adjacent bristles and cause them to flex as well.The second urine impingement region is disposed on a cap structureconfigured to accept a urinal cake. The cap structure includes a lidsurface and a lower edge, wherein the lid surface includes a pluralityof drain holes formed therethrough and a second urine impingement regionthat includes a second plurality of upstanding, flexible bristles, witheach bristle being configured to flex when struck by a typical stream ofurine, and adjacent bristles are separated from one another by adistance such that the typical stream of urine contacting a bristle andcausing it to flex will also contact at least two adjacent bristles andcause them to flex as well. The drain holes formed through the lidsurface take up less than a majority of the area within the boundary ofthe lid surface. The lower edge is configured to mate with a urinal cakeretention region on the upper surface of the sheet-like substrate,thereby permitting retention of a urinal cake therebetween. Urine isdrained from the urine impingement region through an aperture. In someembodiments, the method further includes directing urine from the firstor second urine impingement region onto a urinal cake.

In another embodiment, a method of attenuating splashing caused by astream of urine, such as stream 950, with a mean radius impinging on aurinal, such as urinal 975, includes intercepting the stream of urinewith a urine impingement region of an object disposed within the urinal.The urine impingement region includes a plurality of upstanding flexiblebristles, with each bristle having a thickness and a height. Thethickness of each bristle is less than one fifth of a height of eachbristle, and each bristle has at least three adjacent bristles within adistance of two times its thickness from it. Urine is drained from theurine impingement region through an aperture. In some embodiments, themethod further includes directing urine from the first or second urineimpingement region onto a urinal cake.

In yet another embodiment, a method of attenuating splashing caused by astream of urine, such as stream 950, with a mean radius impinging on aurinal, such as urinal 975, includes intercepting the stream of urinewith a urine impingement region of an object disposed within the urinal.The urine impingement region includes a plurality of elongated,upstanding, flexible bristles configured densely enough that animaginary circle having a radius equal to a mean radius of a stream ofurine, centered on a given bristle, and drawn on the upper surface willinclude at least three other bristles within a boundary of the circle.The object is infused with an anti-microbial chemical. Urine is drainedfrom the urine impingement region through an aperture, and theanti-microbial chemical is leeched out from the object into the urinalover time. In some embodiments, the method further includes directingurine from the first or second urine impingement region onto a urinalcake.

Though the present invention has been described in the context ofpreventing splashing from a urinal, in some embodiments, the inventionis adapted to reduce or prevent splashing in other contexts. Forexample, some embodiments are configured to reduce splashing duringindustrial liquid transfer and some embodiments are configured for usein a home or garden context.

The present invention has been described in terms of specificembodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of theprinciples of construction and operation of the invention. Suchreference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is notintended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made inthe embodiments chosen for illustration without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

1-24. (canceled)
 25. A splash attenuating urinal guard, comprising abase having an upper surface including a urine impingement regioncomprising a plurality of upstanding bristle elements, and a pluralityof drain holes through the base, the upstanding bristle elements beingsubstantially parallel, the bristle elements being configured so that atleast three bristle elements flex to dissipate a substantial portion ofthe kinetic energy of a stream of urine when the urine impingementregion is contacted by a stream of urine from a user of the urinal. 26.The splash attenuating urinal guard according to claim 25 wherein thebristle elements are at least five times taller than they are thick. 27.The splash attenuating urinal guard according to claim 26 wherein eachbristle element has at least three adjacent bristles within a distanceof two times its thickness.
 28. The splash attenuating urinal guardaccording to claim 25 wherein each bristle element has at least threeadjacent bristles within a distance of two times its thickness.
 29. Asplash attenuating urinal guard, comprising a base having an uppersurface including a urine impingement region comprising a plurality ofupstanding bristles, and a plurality of drain holes through the base,the upstanding bristles being substantially parallel, wherein thebristles have a thickness, flexibility, and spacing such that a streamof urine sufficient to make a bristle flex contacts at least twoadjacent bristles.
 30. A splash attenuating urinal guard, comprising abase having an upper surface including a urine impingement regioncomprising a plurality of upstanding bristles at least five times tallerthan they are thick, arranged so that each bristle has at least threeadjacent bristles within a distance of two times its thickness, and aplurality of drain holes through the base, the upstanding bristles beingsubstantially parallel, the bristles being configured so that a urinestream sufficient to make a bristle flex, also contacts and makes atleast two adjacent bristles flex, break up a stream of urine when theurine impingement region is contacted by the stream of urine from a userof the urinal.